Abstract: A method of processing radioactive waste resin by pyrolyzing radioactive waste ion exchange resin generated in a nuclear plant such as a nuclear power station. First, the ion exchange resin is pyrolyzed at a low temperature, and the resulting decomposition gas is separated. Second, the ion exchange resin at a high temperature, and the resulting decomposition gas is separated. Finally, the residue of the ion exchange resin is hot-pressed into a molded article.

Abstract: In a process for lowering the NO.sub.x content in combustion waste gases with the use of a reducing agent, the reducing agent has heretofore been added in all cases to the combustion gases downstream of the incineration. According to the invention, it is suggested in a fluidized-bed incineration to introduce the reducing agent into the fluidized bed. It is preferred, in this connection, to admix reducing agent to the utilized fuel and/or to the combustion air and/or to introduce the reducing agent directly into the incineration. Especially preferred reducing agents are NH.sub.3 or nitrogen-containing hydrocarbon compounds. Various additional versions of the feeding operation are possible.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the volume of a liquid waste containing an organic amine chelating agent in which a finely atomized spray of the liquid waste is contacted with a gas stream having a temperature in excess of the thermal decomposition temperature of the chelating agent. The proportions of the hot gas stream and liquid waste are controlled to rapidly evaporate water from the liquid waste and cool the gas to a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chelating agent in a time of less than about 6 seconds to produce a dry, flowable powder product including the chelating agent.

Abstract: A method for processing spent radioactive ion exchange resin formed in a nuclear power plant by a two-step pyrolysis method. First, the spent resin is heated at 350.degree. C. to decompose functional groups selectively. Then the base polymer, formed as residue, is decomposed at a temperature above 350.degree. C., e.g. 600.degree. C. After the thermal decomposition, exhaust gases which require a special exhaust gas disposal means, such as NO.sub.x and SO.sub.x can be reduce to below 1/20.

Abstract: A method of binding vanadium compounds which are formed as reaction products during the combustion of solid or fluid petroleum residues in vapor generators. The binding of the vanadium compounds is effected within the framework of a combustion with alkali earth containing coals which are preferably high-ash coals. With solid petroleum residues, the coal is mixed with the residue prior to entry into the combustion zone. With fluid petroleum residues, the coal is introduced into the combustion zone via a burner along with, yet separate from, the residues.

Abstract: A metering feeder for delivering solid fuels, such as municipal or industrial refuse, for combustion includes a pair of generally vertically arranged hoppers. An upper hopper containing relatively compacted or intertangled fuel discharges metered amounts of fuel into a lower hopper through the action of a ram-type pusher. Fuel discharged from the upper hopper is dropped into the lower hopper to develop sufficient kinetic energy to decompact the fuel. An upwardly inclined conveyor removes fuel from the lower hopper at an independently metered rate under optional control of a combustion control system. The action of the inclined conveyor further decompacts the fuel by underraking and mixing, thereby providing a well controlled, uniform, loose density fuel for combustion. The conveyor has a closed course of cleats which cyclically moves to remove fuel. The cleats extend in acute angular relation to the direction of movement for improved performance.

Abstract: A first portion (50) of a sulfur and nitrogen-bearing carbonaceous fuel is gasified in a gasification reactor (20) in the presence of a reducing atmosphere of air to produce a hot, char-containing, carbon-monoxide-rich fuel gas (42) having a low Btu content. After cooling, the char-containing carbon-monoxide-rich fuel gas (42) is introduced into a steam generating furnace (10) and combusted therein with a second portion (40) of the carbonaceous fuel in the presence of at least sufficient additional air to substantially complete combustion whereby a hot flue gas is produced. A sulfur-capturing material (60) is introduced into both the gasification reactor (20) and the combustion zone of the steam generating furnace (10) to absorb a substantial portion of the sulfur-containing gases produced during the gasification and combustion processes.

Abstract: A method for combusting slagging coal in a furnace comprising a firebox and at least one injection nozzle having a bore for a primary airstream and an annular passage for a secondary airstream, the nozzle communicating with the firebox, which method comprises (a) injecting a primary airstream containing a pulverized coal and injecting a secondary airstream through the injection nozzle into the flame zone of the furnace firebox, the combined primary and secondary airstream composing the total air for combustion and combusting the coal to yield a flame of combustion, and (b) injecting a sufficient amount of oxygen into the primary airstream such that an oxygen enriched primary airstream emanates from the injection nozzle and the oxygen concentration of the total air for combustion is about 22 to 27 volume percent, whereby the amount of slag deposition is reduced.

Abstract: A combustion process is disclosed for burning a fuel containing sulfur characterized by low sulfur and particulate emission and formation of solid, non-toxic sulfur compounds. The process comprises mixing the sulfur containing fuel with an additive capable of reacting with sulfur; burning the mixture in a first combustion stage with less than 75% theoretical air and at a temperature below the melting point of the ash, but sufficiently high to cause reaction between the additive and any sulfur in the fuel to facilitate removal of the sulfur compounds formed; passing combustible fuel gases and particulates from the first stage to one or more further stages to complete the combustion of the fuel; and oxidizing, in a separate zone, sulfur compounds formed in the first reaction zone by reaction between the additive and the sulfur in the fuel to form non-toxic sulfates.

Abstract: A method for combustion of sulfur-containing fuel in a circulating fluid bed combustion system wherein the fuel is burned in a primary combustion zone under reducing conditions and sulfur captured as alkaline sulfide. The reducing gas formed is oxidized to combustion gas which is then separated from solids containing alkaline sulfide. The separated solids are then oxidized and recycled to the primary combustion zone.

Abstract: The volume of low-level radioactive wastes containing free water is reduced by introducing the waste as a finely atomized spray into a zone heated by means of a hot gas. Contact of the spray particles with the hot gas results in the production of a dry, flowable radioactive solid product and a gaseous non-radioactive product which contains substantially no NO.sub.x or SO.sub.x and no volatile radionuclides, which are retained in the solid product.

Abstract: A process is provided for combusting sulfur-containing coal in a single step while producing an off-gas low in sulfur. The process comprises combusting finely divided coal in a furnace burner cavity in the presence of a finely divided iron oxide or iron powder and at least about 60% of the oxygen stoichiometrically required for substantially complete combustion of the coal to form a liquid iron oxysulfide phase and a turbulent atmosphere of combustion-product gases, liquid iron oxysulfide acting to scrub sulfur-containing gaseous species from the atmosphere to yield an essentially sulfur-free flue gas and a liquid iron oxysulfide slag containing substantially the sulfur originally contained in the coal.

Abstract: An integrated method of removing alkali metal compounds from sulfur-bearing coal is disclosed. The coal is comminuted (4) and mixed (10) with water (8) to form a slurry (12). In the preferred embodiment, the slurry (12) is comingled with an SO.sub.2 -bearing gas (16) in a transport pipeline (52) to form an acidic slurry which dissolves the alkali compounds out of the coal. The slurry is then separated (22) into a solid portion (24) and a liquid portion (26), the solid portion (24) being combusted (34) to form the SO.sub.2 -bearing gas (16).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for incinerating toxic and non-toxic waste using a modified preheater-type lime kiln is disclosed wherein the kiln is modified to incinerate waste and the preheater section is modified to provide an incineration processing aid such as limestone and also to more efficiently utilize and conserve heat values.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing sulfur oxide from combustion gas to form Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and for reducing the harmful effects of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 on auxiliary heat exchangers in which a sodium compound is injected into the hot combustion gas forming liquid Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in a gas-gas reaction and the resultant gas containing Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is cooled to below about 1150.degree. K. to form particles of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 prior to contact with at least one heat exchanger with the cooling being provided by the recycling of combustion gas from a cooled zone downstream from the introduction of the cooling gas.

Abstract: A three-stage combustion process is disclosed for burning a fuel containing sulfur characterized by low sulfur emission and good ash removal. The process comprises mixing the sulfur containing fuel with an additive capable of reacting with sulfur; burning the mixture in a first combustion stage with less than 75% theoretical air and at a temperature below the melting point of the ash but sufficiently high to cause reaction between the additive and any sulfur in the fuel to facilitate removal of the sulfur compounds formed; removing at least a portion of the sulfur compounds formed in the first stage; passing combustible gases from the first stage to a second stage; burning the gases in the second stage with less than 100% theoretical air at a temperature above the melting point of the ash to form a liquid slag which is removable from the second stage; and burning combustible gases from the second stage in a third stage with an excess of air to ensure complete combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustor is utilized as a source of drains, including spent calcium-based sorbent. The reacted sorbent is broken to expose unreacted portions which can be recycled to capture additional sulfur compounds. A separation is provided by a magnetic separator and an electrophoretic separator in order to obviate the load of recycling reacted sorbent and other waste material having no calorific value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of a sulfur-containing fuel which substantially reduces the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds which would otherwise be emitted.A source of oxygen, a sulfur-containing fuel, and an inorganic alkaline absorbent are reacted under controlled conditions of temperature, stoichiometry, and residence time whereby the inorganic alkaline absorbent reacts with the fuel sulfur to form a mixture of combustion products and desired solid sulfur compounds, the latter being readily removed utilizing conventional filtration equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture of fuel and combustion products is passed into a nitrogenous compound destruction zone wherein, under controlled conditions, the concentration of nitrogenous compounds present are reduced to a desired level.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluidized bed in which a bed of particulate combustible material and adsorbent material are disposed on a perforated plate. Air is introduced through said plate and into said bed to fluidize and promote the combustion of the combustible material, and a gaseous agent is injected into the bed to stabilize the surface hardness, sulfur-absorption properties and catalytic properties of said adsorbent material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of a sulfur-containing fuel which substantially reduces the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds which would otherwise be emitted.A source of oxygen, a sulfur-containing fuel, and an inorganic alkaline absorbent are reacted under controlled conditions of temperature, stoichiometry, and residence time whereby the inorganic alkaline absorbent reacts with the fuel sulfur to form a mixture of combustion products and desired solid sulfur compounds, the latter being readily removed utilizing conventional filtration equipment. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture of fuel and combustion products is passed into a nitrogenous compound destruction zone wherein, under controlled conditions, the concentration of nitrogenous compounds present are reduced to a desired level.

Abstract: A combustion enhancing catalyst is deposited on a particulate refractory substrate such as sand. The solid fuel is contacted with the impregnated substrate and burned, for example, in a fluidized bed combustor. The substrate and catalyst remains in the combustor thereby obviating problems of catalyst loss and adverse effects of emitted metal particles.

Abstract: A method for reducing the emissions of sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide in exit gases resulting from the burning of sulfur bearing fuels, which includes the step of igniting alkaline earth metals simultaneously with the igniting of the fuel. The method provides for the burning of high sulfur content fuels while maintaining strict environmental emission requirements established for lower sulfur content fuels.

Abstract: Wastes, in the form of liquids, solids and slurries, are converted to a mixture of a gas and an inorganic ash by introducing the waste as a finely atomized spray into a zone heated by means of a hot gas. Contact of the spray particles with the hot gas results in drying the waste and calcining and combusting the dried waste. The process is particularly useful with wastes containing hazardous materials such as radioactive substances.

Abstract: A method is described for burning pulverized high ash coal in a furnace firebox and reducing ash fines which comprises(a) injecting a primary airstream containing a pulverized coal which is at least 7 wt % ash and a secondary airstream into the flame zone of a furnace firebox and combusting the coal to yield a flame of combustion, and(b) injecting a sufficient amount of oxygen into the flame zone via the secondary airstream such that the oxygen concentration of the combined primary and secondary airstreams is between 21 to about 28 vol %.In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen enrichment addition is proportioned between the primary and the secondary air streams.

Abstract: A method of minimizing the production of SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x in the burning of a fuel containing significant amounts of SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x precursors in which the fuel is treated to remove significant amounts of SO.sub.x precursors without the removal of significant amounts of NO.sub.x precursors and the fuel is thereafter burned in a two-stage, rich-lean burning step in which significant amounts of the NO.sub.x precursors are converted to N.sub.2. Treating the fuel to remove SO.sub.x precursors is preferrably carried out in the presence of an oxidizing agent, such as H.sub.2 O.sub.2, a reducing agent, such as hydrogen, and/or steam, and still more preferably, the oxidizing agent, the reducing agent and steam are generated by burning an auxiliary fuel and passing the effluent thereof to the step of treating the fuel to remove SO.sub.x precursors.

Abstract: In a method of thermal solid waste exploitation the pure pyrolysis gases are used for auxiliary heating in combustion and the flue gases from combustion are used for heating in pyrolysis. In a solid waste processing installation the pure gas outlet of the pyrolysis unit is connected to the auxiliary burner of the combustion unit and the pyrolysis reactor is arranged between the flue gas outlet of the combustion unit and a waste heat retrieval unit.

Abstract: A cyclic velox boiler is described wherein solid carbonaceous fuels are burned in pressure vessel containers by cyclic compression and expansion with air or with air and steam as usual gas reactants. During compression air is forced deeply into the pores of the solid fuel and rapid primary burning to carbon monoxide results due to the large internal pore area available. During expansion the primary reacted gases emerge from the pores to mix and react fully with secondary air retained outside the pores in the container. Rapid and complete burning of the char fuel can be obtained in this two step, cyclic burning process and net useful mechanical work can be obtained from an expander engine. The containers and portions of the expander are cooled with water and the resulting steam can be used to generate additional work output via a steam power cycle.

Abstract: A method for pneumatically conveying solvent refined coal to a burner under conditions of dilute phase pneumatic flow so as to prevent saltation of the solvent refined coal in the transport line by maintaining the transport fluid velocity above approximately 95 ft/sec.

Abstract: After pulverizing feed coal to a range of particle sizes from 1 to 250 microns, the particles are divided at approximately a micron level in the range from 37 to 74 microns into a coarse fraction and a fine fraction. The inorganic material is separated from the organic material, at least in the coarse fraction, and the particles of inorganic material are excluded from the coal that is fed to the boiler.

Abstract: In the combustion of high sulfur coal, SO.sub.x emission is reduced by pyrolizing the coal in a reducing atmosphere to form char and convert the sulfur compounds to combustible gases including H.sub.2 S. The H.sub.2 S is reacted with the coal and the char to produce ash containing sulfur which is easily removed from the combustion process. A three zone furnace includes a zone in which the coal is pyrolized in a reducing atmosphere to convert the sulfur compounds to combustible gas which reacts with the coal and char.

Abstract: A system including a method and apparatus for incinerating toxic and non-toxic waste materials. The system involves the use of a pre-treatment agent which is capable of insuring flowability in the waste materials to be incinerated. The agent is mixed with the material and then introduced to a rotary kiln which is fired to a temperature such that incineration of the material will occur by providing a satisfactory rate of material flow through the kiln. The kiln includes a rotary scoop feeder which is utilized for introducing the mixture of material and agent into a hot zone of the kiln. An afterburner may be utilized for decomposing materials such as hazardous organic wastes, and the output of the apparatus may be associated with a baghouse.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing noxious pollutants containing sulfur and/or fluorine compounds from gaseous or liquid media by adsorption of the compounds on coke. The coke is produced by conventional processes from lignite (brown coal) containing alkaline ash compounds, particularly CaO and MgO as well as possibly Na.sub.2 O, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and K.sub.2 O. The coke with adsorbed sulfur and/or fluorine pollutants is incinerated at temperatures selected from 700.degree. C. and 1050.degree. C. such that the pollutants combine chemically with the alkaline ash compounds so that the pollutants become bound in the coke ash rather than being emitted to the environment in the combustion gases.

Abstract: A technique for raising slag fusion temperatures is provided whereby fouling deposits can be reduced. The technique involves mixing with slag or slag precursers phosphated alumina perferably in a liquid form for convenience in application.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the sulfur capture potential of lime in the fluidized bed combustion of coal and for improving the flow characteristics of the feed coal therefor comprising collecting partially sulfated limestone particles from the fly ash of the flue gas from the fluidized bed combustor, and (a) retaining said particles in the flue gas stream, thereby hydrating said particles, and returning said particles to the combustor; or (b) mixing said partially sulfated limestone particles with wet coal thereby drying said coal and simultaneously hydrating unreacted calcium oxide to form calcium hydroxide, and recycling said mixture of dry crushed coal and calcium hydroxide into said fluidized bed combustor; or (c) introducing wet coal in the flue gas upstream from said collected particles, thereby providing moisture to hydrate said particles, and returning said hydrated particles to the combustor.

Abstract: A mixture of fine-particle mineral coal and a fine-particle solid carrier of carbon is stored in a bulk store from which the mixture is withdrawn and continuously blown into a shaft furnace, e.g. a blast furnace. Sufficient carbon carrier is used to loosen the mixture and to prevent it from caking and sticking. A suitable carbon carrier is particulate compost obtained by rotting household refuse or sewage sludge.

Abstract: A system receives raw coal which is routed through crushing, screening, pulverizing, classifying, and beneficiation stages with the de-mineralized fraction of the coal routed to a pulverized-coal-fired furnace, while the mineralized fraction is routed to a fluidized bed furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to operation of a rotary kiln plant utilizing electrostatic precipitators. Specifically, this invention is directed to a method for conditioning exhaust gases from a burning process in a rotary kiln in which mineral materials are treated by burning a fuel. The method comprises adding a water soluble alkali-metal compound to a solid fuel, at least part of which is a solid pulverized fuel, and then firing the fuel in the kiln plant, whereby the resistivity of the exhaust gases is less than about 10.sup.10 ohm cm.

Abstract: A method and composition are described for carrying out the combustion of fossil fuels in a fluidized bed with reduced emissions of sulfur, carbon and nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons. Combustion is carried out in the presence of a solid sulfur oxide adsorbent and a metal or metal oxide component which is catalytically active with respect to unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur oxides arising from gasification or combustion of organic fuels such as coal may be removed from the hot gases by attrition resistant, highly reactive limestone-based sorbent agglomerates. The agglomerates are formed by crushing and powdering naturally occurring limestone into grains of fine particle size and binding the powdered limestone grains with a binder that is stable at high temperature, for example a colloidal grade of attapulgite clay. Volatile liquid is added to the mix of binder and powdered limestone to form a paste-like mixture, which is then agglomerated in compression-type agglomerating equipment to form spheroidal agglomerates having good green strength. In fluidized bed combustion applications, these agglomerates have attrition resistance equivalent to conventional natural limestone granules and are far more reactive in terms of sulfur pickup.

Abstract: A solid fuel conversion system feeds solid fuel to a burning area at a controlled and metered rate. In the burning area, the solid fuel is dried before it reaches a burning bed of coals. Once it reaches the bed of coals, it is advanced at a controlled rate from said drying means through the area of the burning bed of coals to an ash area. The fuel-drying and advancing is carried out by a series of grates having controlled amounts of grate movement. The drying grate is set at a relatively steep angle (here, 60.degree.) which breaks the free-fall of an incoming curtain of solid fuel. The fuel-advancing is accomplished by a series of grates which are set at less than a free-fall angle (here, 15.degree.). A reciprocating feeder moves the fuel-advancing grates back and forth by the controlled amounts. The controlled rate of advance causes the solid fuel to gasify in the area over the burning bed. An air delivery system controls the flow of gaseous fuel from the solid fuel burning area to a gaseous burning area.

Abstract: A process for the desulfurization of coal and apparatus for carrying out the process. The process includes the steps of: first, treating dry coal particles with dry chlorine gas; and, second, treating the coal particles with a purging gas. The purging gas may be, for example, dry steam or an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The apparatus includes a chlorinator means for treating the dry coal particles with dry chlorine gas and a stripper means for treating the coal particles with a purging gas.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a process and burner for combusting fossil fuels such as coal to provide low SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x emissions. The process includes pulverizing the coal together with an alkaline material, such as limestone in an amount calculated to provide an alkaline metal stoichiometric equivalent of one to seven times the stoichiometric equivalent of the sulphur contained in the coal. The resulting pulverized coal-limestone mix is then combusted under fuel rich conditions. For example, 25% of the theoretical air required to combust the coal is preheated and injected into the combustion zone together with the pulverized coal-limestone mixture. The primary or transport air is swirled to increase mixing and to stabilize the flame. Preheated secondary air is introduced to the combustion zone. The amount of the preheated secondary air amounts to approximately 40% to about 100% of the theoretically required air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing slag build-up in cyclone furnaces comprising introducing into a cyclone furnace at least one of a slag viscosity modifier and a combustion adjuvant, wherein a substantial portion thereof is conveyed to the walls of the furnace by addition through the secondary air stream. Preferably the additives are formed as particles of sufficient size and density that they are driven directly to the walls of the furnace. This method alleviates slag build-up caused by the presence of uncombusted coal particles at the walls and increases the temperature environment at the walls.

Abstract: Slag buildup in high-temperature areas of a furnace system is minimized by adding to the molten ash particles carried by the flue gas a conditioner which is taken up by those molten particles and produces a nucleating effect when those particles cool, causing them to solidify more rapidly, thereby preventing deposit formation or resulting in considerably more friable deposits.

Abstract: A mixture of an alkyl amine, e.g., tri-n-propylamine and an SO.sub.3 -containing acid, preferably, sulfamic acid is injected into the flue gas stream of a coal-fired utility boiler to reduce the electrical resistivity of the fly-ash particles and to increase their mean particle size, thereby improving their recovery by electrostatic precipitation or by mechanical separation, with consequent reduction in stack emissions.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the sulfation capacity of alkaline earth carbonates to scrub sulfur dioxide produced during the fluidized bed combustion of coal in which partially sulfated alkaline earth carbonates are hydrated in a fluidized bed to crack the sulfate coating and convert the alkaline earth oxide to the hydroxide. Subsequent dehydration of the sulfate-hydroxide to a sulfate-oxide particle produces particles having larger pore size, increased porosity, decreased grain size and additional sulfation capacity. A continuous process is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for burning a pulverized carbonaceous material containing sulfur and ash. According to this method, a slurry is formed containing the carbonaceous material, water, a reagent adapted to react during combustion with the sulfur in the material and a cementing agent adapted to reduce particulate emissions during combustion. The slurry is burned in a first stage with less than 100% theoretical air and preferably at a temperature below about 1100.degree. C. The products of combustion from the first stage are removed to a second stage and burned with additional air.

Abstract: The emission of halogens and sulfur dioxide and the formation of water-soluble compounds of heavy metals are suppressed in the pyrolysis of waste in a carbonization zone at a temperature in the range from 300.degree. to 600.degree. C. by adding a fine-grained basic material to the waste prior to completion of the pyrolysis of the waste in the carbonization zone.

Abstract: A continuous process for the combustion of solid fuels in the presence of strong sulfuric acid under conditions such that oxides of nitrogen are not formed and oxides of sulfur and particles of ash are effectively prevented from contaminating the gaseous products released to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for drying sludge which may contain combustible vapors in a manner to positively prevent fires and explosions within the sludge dryer and the associated sludge-drying piping. The method provides for a substantial reduction of the oxygen content of the sludge-drying vapors by deviating a part of the sludge-drying vapor stream from the principal vapor circuit and passing it as secondary combustion air into the combustion chamber which generates hot gases for drying the sludge. Furthermore, a portion of the hot effluents from the combustion chamber is deviated from the sludge-drying circuit and is used to heat the sludge-drying vapors whereafter it is vented to the atmosphere. In a variant of the invention, an acid scrubber is provided to remove hydrochloric acid. A number of embodiments is presented.